No. 82 – Shop the Downtown Boutiques

This week on our 100 things to do countdown, check out what the downtown clothing boutiques on North Park Avenue and Merrick Road can add to your wardrobe. Summer is in full swing, so your collection may need some fresh new staples. 

Wink NY, located at 280 Merrick Road, is a hip, women's boutique specializing in trendy evening wear. Wink doesn't stop, however, at just cocktail dresses. "We are very much into jumpsuits and rompers at the moment, which are very popular this season," said manager Carla Abbasi. Wink's style is funky and fresh, tapping into the trendy Bohemian and peasant style items and innovative asymmetrical pieces. 

Down the road at 266 Merrick is the street-smart boutique Extra Butter, that sells a fresh and urban selection of shoes, tees, tops and hats for guys and girls. Widely known in the hip-hop community for its "buttery kicks," the shoe selection is represented by Toms, Vans, Reebok, Puma, 10Deep and Sneaker Freaker to name a few. Edgy tee shirts and cool hats offer a city-like flair to any wardrobe.

For the earthier crowd, Milk & Honey at 232 Merrick Road offers a more relaxed selection, with flowing sundresses, panama hats and cropped tops. The popular Dylan-esque Ray-Bans are featured at a reasonable price and are a summer essential. The abundance of khaki and army style bottoms offers a unique way to vary your summer style against skirts and dresses. 

Last but not least, Guilty Indulgence at 10 N. Park Ave. has great looking fashion jewelry at a reasonable price. The beautiful selection of turquoise, hand-crafted beads and costume pieces may look intimidating, but are actually priced at $20 or less. Straw totebags, headbands, wallets, scarves, hats, handbags and even candles decorate the shop. Need a fresh new haircut to complete your new wardrobe? They have those too!

Category: Fashion, retail

Cost: Reasonable to pricey

Season: Summer